If you’ve ever found yourself staring blankly at your camera, sketchpad, or computer screen, struggling to find that elusive spark of inspiration, you’re not alone. Many creatives face moments of stagnation where motivation seems to evaporate, leaving them feeling uninspired. Or even stuck. It’s important to remember that creativity, like any other skill, ebbs and flows. The key is to have strategies in place to reignite your passion and fuel your creative fire. Let’s look at some practical and specific ways to overcome creative blocks, find new sources of inspiration, and renew your enthusiasm for your craft!
01. Film and Photography
Movies and documentaries can offer a fresh perspective and ignite your creativity. Here are a few specific recommendations to get you inspired:
• “Baraka” (1992) – Directed by Ron Fricke, this non-narrative film captures breathtaking visuals from around the world, showing the profound beauty of natural landscapes and human rituals. The powerful imagery can spark ideas for how to approach your own photographic compositions.
• “The Secret Life of Walter Mitty” (2013) – Directed by and starring Ben Stiller, this film blends adventure with stunning visuals, highlighting the beauty of exploration and imagination. It’s a reminder of the magic that can happen when you step out of your comfort zone.
• “Finding Vivian Maier” (2013) – This documentary delves into the life and work of a mysterious street photographer. The film showcases her work and can inspire you to look at everyday life with a fresh perspective.
02. Books
Books can provide both practical advice and creative inspiration. Here are some specific titles that can help:
• “Steal Like an Artist” by Austin Kleon – This book offers practical advice on how to embrace influences and transform them into your own unique work. It’s a great resource for overcoming creative blocks.
• “The War of Art” by Steven Pressfield – A powerful read on overcoming resistance and the challenges faced by creatives. It’s a motivational boost when you’re struggling to get started.
• “Show Your Work!” by Austin Kleon – This follow-up to “Steal Like an Artist” focuses on how to share your creative journey with others and find community support.
03. YouTube Channels
YouTube is a treasure trove of creative content and tutorials! Here are a few channels to check out:
• Peter McKinnon – Offers photography and filmmaking tips with an engaging style. His videos on creative techniques and gear can provide fresh ideas and new perspectives.
• The Art of Photography – Hosted by Ted Forbes, this channel covers various photography topics, including inspiration from great photographers and detailed photo critiques.
• Skillshare – While not a single channel, Skillshare offers numerous creative classes from professionals across various fields. You can find classes on everything from photography to illustration and design.
04. Podcasts
Podcasts can be a great way to gain insights and motivation during your daily routine. Here are some worth tuning into:
• “The Creative Pep Talk Podcast” – Hosted by Andy J. Pizza, this podcast offers practical advice and motivation for creative professionals, helping you overcome self-doubt and stay inspired.
• “How I Built This” – Hosted by Guy Raz, this podcast features interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators, providing insights into how they overcame challenges and found inspiration for their work.
• “The Photography Podcast” – Provides in-depth discussions on photography techniques, industry trends, and interviews with professional photographers that can spark new ideas for your projects.
05. Sign Up for Our Weekly Newsletter
Our newsletter provides fresh photo challenges every Monday designed to push your boundaries and inspire new ideas! It’s a fantastic way to stay motivated and keep your creative juices flowing.
06. Take a Break and Change Your Environment
Sometimes the best way to find inspiration is to step away from your usual routine:
• Visit a Museum or Art Gallery – Immersing yourself in art and photography exhibits can offer new perspectives and stimulate creative ideas.
• Take a Walk in Nature – Sometimes, a change of scenery can provide unexpected inspiration. Pay attention to the details around you and how they might influence your work.
• Try a New Hobby – Engaging in different creative activities, such as painting or writing, can refresh your perspective and introduce new ideas into your primary craft.
07. Experiment with New Techniques
Trying out new techniques can break the monotony and invite fresh ideas.
• Try Different Photography Styles – If you usually shoot portraits, experiment with landscapes or macro photography. For example, if you usually use a DSLR, try out a film camera or a smartphone camera to see how different tools influence your creativity.
• Play with Light and Shadows – Experiment with various lighting setups or natural light conditions. Capture how the light changes the mood and feel of your photos, and explore creative lighting techniques like backlighting or silhouettes.
08. Keep a Visual Inspiration Journal
A visual inspiration journal can be a powerful tool for capturing and organising your creative ideas.
• Create a Pinterest Board – Use Pinterest to curate a collection of images, articles, and designs that inspire you. This can be a quick reference when you need a creative boost.
• Build a Mood Board – Physically or digitally compile images, textures, and colors that resonate with your creative vision. This can help you visualise and plan future projects.
• Keep a Diary – Get a dedicated ‘inspiration’ diary that you bring with you everywhere you go. Whenever you hear a quote you like, discover a new artist, or have a great idea, write it down in your diary!
09. Reflect on Your Own Work
Looking back at your previous projects can offer valuable insights and new directions.
• Review Your Past Photos – Analyse your previous work to identify patterns, favorite subjects, and techniques that worked well. Use these observations to refine your current approach.
• Set Personal Creative Goals – Based on your reflections, set specific goals for your creative practice. Whether it’s mastering a new technique or exploring a new subject, having clear goals can drive your inspiration.
10. Explore Different Cultures and Histories
Exposure to different cultures and histories can broaden your creative perspective.
• Read Books on Art History – Books like “The Story of Art” by E.H. Gombrich provide a comprehensive overview of art movements and influential artists, offering insights into different artistic styles and techniques.
• Watch Documentaries on Global Cultures – Documentaries like “The Great Beauty” or “The Art of the Steal” can introduce you to diverse artistic traditions and inspire new ways of thinking about your work.
Remember, inspiration is often found in the most unexpected places. Stay curious, keep experimenting, and allow yourself to be inspired by the world around you.
MELISSA MARTINSEN 